Self-Centering Deck Tool

ABSTRACT

A one-piece tool that is a jig for drilling pilot holes in deck boards by self-aligning along two axis on a planar surface in the form of a relative offset from the deck board and joist resulting in one point using the deck board and joist as a reference guide. The self-alignment feature replicates the position of the pilot holes for fasteners that are accurately on the centerline of joist and uniformly spaced and flush with deck board. Deck fasteners remain centered in the joist assuring optimal structural strength. The tool can be aligned to the right or left of the joist as needed with the same results. The tool may be used with various decking materials including but not exclusive to wood or composite decking The tool replicates the drilling pattern with accuracy and precision resulting in an extremely aesthetic appearance and optimal strength of the finished deck.

REFERENCES CITED U.S. Patent Documents

4,766,782 August 1988 Tanner 81/44  4,930,225 June 1990 Phillips 33/526 4,955,142 September 1990 Rieck 33/526 5,560,117 October 1996 Tallman 33/526 6,243,961 June 2001 Winski 33/526

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of construction and more specifically to a one-piece tool that is designed for use in deck construction.

This invention relates to providing an aesthetic appearance of decking by aligning fasteners in a true and straight line although it will be appreciated that the alignment also provides optimal structural integrity and the tool is versatile in its use in most decking situations.

2. Description of Prior Art

Previously, deck board fasteners were placed by sight or by use of a square. Multiple difficulties arise with the previously used methods. Using a sight method often results in an unpleasing appearance and may result in missing the center of the joist. Using a square may provide uniform spacing of fasteners on deck board, but rely on sight to assure centering of fastener on joist. These methods can be time consuming and inaccurate resulting in staggered fastener line and/or reducing the strength of the deck.

This tool is an improvement over prior art, by providing the ability to locate its measurement relative to the joist and deck board, and not solely to the deck board; providing a true precision measurement on a planar surface made along two axis resulting in one point. U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,225 to Charlotte N. Phillips, Deck Board Spacer and Nailing Guide, provides holes for proper positioning of nails or screws on deck board, but does not self-align holes to center of joist resulting in alignment to one axis. The guide includes a handle that does not allow the guide to be inverted for situations where deck boards are adjacent to vertical planes, such as walls. U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,961 to Paul N. Winski, Deck Tool, includes template holes for placement and marking of locations for screws and nails, but does not self-align holes to center of joist resulting in alignment to one axis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide accurate and precise guide holes for pilot drilling deck boards for installation of fasteners resulting in an extremely asthetic appearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide quick, accurate alignment of fasteners in line with the center of 2″ (actual 1.5″) joist and at the same time accurate spacing of pilot holes on the deck board maximizing structural integrity.

Another object of the invention is the versatility of the tool to be used in most decking situations regardless of the location of the joist such as to the left edge of the deck, right edge of the deck, or adjacent to a verticle surface.

Another object of the invention is the tool is economical, lightweight with no moving parts.

A further object of the invention is the tool is efficient and easy to use.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a one-piece tool that is designed for use in deck construction. comprising: a tool that self aligns with the deck joist, a tool that allows pilot holes to be drilled accurately on center line of deck joist, a tool that allows pilot holes to be drilled accurately spaced on the deck board, a tool that repeats the drilling pattern with accuracy and precision, a tool that can be manufactured for varing widths of decking materials, deck fasteners remain centered with joist in a straight line providing aesthetic appeal, centered straight line placement insures optimal structural strength, and the tool can be aligned to the right or left of the joist with the same result as needed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a isometric view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the invention.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the invention as it appears in use.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the invention as it appears in use.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view of the invention as it appears in use.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the invention as it appears in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawings, the invention 10 is a rigid, single-piece, right angle rectangle shaped deck tool comprising of a top surface 11 and a right angle, front surface 12. The invention can be made from any suitable materials such as formed metal, cast metal, and plastic. Preferably the invention is made from formed metal at a thickness of 0.125″.

Referring to FIG. 2, the top surface 11 has four marked and spaced 5/32 diameter holes 14, 15, 16, and 17. It should be understood that the tool can be manufactured with the location of the four marked and spaced diameter holes on top surface 11 in different locations depending on the width of deck boards. As illustrated, invention 10 is calibrated for use with standard 5.5″ width deck boards. Holes 14 and 15 are located to align with the center of the joist at 0.75″ from edge 18 and 1″ from edge 20 and 13 respectfully. Holes 16 and 17 are located to align with the center of the joist at 0.75″ from edge 19 and 1″ from edge 20 and 13 respectfully.

Referring to FIG. 3, the front surface 12 is at a right angle to top surface 11. The shape of surface 12 is governed by the dimensions of the deck boards. The length of edge 26 and 27 be at or less than the thickness of the deck boards. As illustrated, invention 10 is calibrated for use with standard deck boards of 0.75″ to 1.5″ thickness. The length of edge 26 and 27 are 0.75″. The lengths of edge 21 and 23 are 1.5″ each for use with standard joists of 1.5″ thickness. The width of invention 10 is 5.5″, leaving 2.5″ between edges 22 and 24. Length of edges 22 and 24 are 1.25″.

FIG. 4 is a side view of invention 10.

The self-centering feature of invention 10 is more clearly illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. FIG. 5 illustrates the invention 10 in position for use in its right hand position with surface 11 positioned on the deck board and edge 13 aligned with the top edge of the deck board. When edge 13 is aligned in this manner, edge 18 is square to the deck board surface and edge 22 is engaged with the vertical left-hand side of the joist, resulting in holes 14 and 15 to be aligned with the center of the joist allowing pilot holes to be drilled. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate top and front view, respectfully, of invention 10 positioned for use as illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 clearly illustrates edge 22 engaged with the vertical left-hand side of the joist, completing the self-alignment feature of invention 10.

FIG. 8 is the side sectional view of invention 10 engaged with deck board.

Although FIGS. 5-8 illustrate the invention in position for use in its right-hand position, invention 10 can be used in a left-hand position as needed. When invention 10 is used in a left-hand position, edge 24 is engaged with the vertical right-hand side of the joist, resulting in holes 16 and 17 to be aligned with the center of the joist.

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A one-piece tool that is designed for use in deck construction comprising: a tool that self aligns with the deck joist; a tool that allows pilot holes to be drilled accurately on center line of deck joist; a tool that allows pilot holes to be drilled accurately spaced on the deck board; a tool that repeats the drilling pattern with accuracy and precision; a tool that can be manufactured for varing widths of decking materials; deck fasteners remain centered with deck joist in a straight line providing aesthetic appeal; centered straight line placement insures optimal structural strength; the tool can be aligned to the right or left of the deck joist with the same result as needed. 